US5821865A - Christmas ornament hazard detector - Google Patents
Christmas ornament hazard detector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US5821865A US5821865A US08/859,974 US85997497A US5821865A US 5821865 A US5821865 A US 5821865A US 85997497 A US85997497 A US 85997497A US 5821865 A US5821865 A US 5821865A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- alarm
- smoke
- compartment
- circuit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 33
- 241000191291 Abies alba Species 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 230000004888 barrier function Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000009970 fire resistant effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract 8
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims 4
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008054 signal transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G33/00—Religious or ritual equipment in dwelling or for general use
- A47G33/04—Christmas trees
- A47G33/08—Christmas tree decorations
- A47G33/0872—Christmas tree decorations comprising fire preventing means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B17/00—Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
- G08B17/10—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B17/00—Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
- G08B17/10—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means
- G08B17/11—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means using an ionisation chamber for detecting smoke or gas
- G08B17/113—Constructional details
Definitions
- This invention pertains to a smoke and/or heat detector and, more particularly, to a detector adapted for ornamental display and use on a Christmas tree.
- a smoke and/or heat detector having a transmitter circuit in a Christmas tree ornament.
- the ornament includes a ceramic wafer which separates the ornament into a lower detection chamber and an upper chamber containing the transmitter components.
- the transmitter includes heat and smoke sensors in the lower chamber of the ornament which communicates with the outside air by means of vents in the ornament. Upon smoke or heat entering this lower chamber the sensors cause transmission of a signal to a remote receiver which causes an alarm to sound.
- the energized alarm circuit locks into an alarm mode as energized by its own power. Accordingly, the alarm continues to sound even after the destruction of the transmitter circuit in the ornament by the Christmas tree fire. This action elongates the alarm warning to the building occupants.
- the upper chamber initially protects the transmitter components from fire so as to prolong the delivery of transmitter signal to the remote receiver.
- Another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, which can sense smoke and/or heat emanating from a Christmas tree fire.
- a further object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, having a signal transmitter in the form of a Christmas tree ornament for sending energizing signals to a remote alarm.
- Another further object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, the ornament having a lower detection chamber in communication with the ambient air and an upper chamber isolated from the ambient air for containing the transmitter circuit therein.
- a further particular object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, the ornament having a protective barrier between the detection chamber and the transmitter assembly chamber.
- Another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, which utilizes a remote alarm, the alarm being designed to continuously sound after initial energization.
- FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the Christmas tree ornament on a Christmas tree with the receiver/alarm assembly displaced therefrom;
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the bulb of the Christmas tree showing the interior transmitter component of the bulb
- FIG. 3 is a right side view of the bulb component of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the transmitter circuit
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the receiver circuit
- FIG. 6 illustrates one form of circuitry for the transmitter
- FIG. 7 illustrates one form of circuitry for the receiver
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the remote receiver/alarm component.
- FIG. 1 shows the ornament 100 on a Christmas tree 1000, the ornament including a transmitter circuit (FIGS. 4, 6) for sending signals to a remote receiver 500.
- the ornament 100 comprises a spherical housing 110 with a hook 120 for hanging the housing 110 from a limb of the tree 1000.
- Housing 110 may be constructed to be releasably separable into two halves 110a, 110b to allow access to the interior thereof.
- the housing 110 includes a heat resistant ceramic wafer 200 which divides the interior of the housing 110 into lower 210 and upper 220 chambers.
- the interior of the entire bulb may also include a ceramic lining 202.
- the lower chamber 210 includes a plurality of orifices 212 which communicates the lower chamber 210 with the outside ambient air.
- a smoke-detecting sensor 230 Extending from wafer 200 and into chamber 210 is a smoke-detecting sensor 230 which is a part of the transmitter circuitry.
- a heat detector 240 likewise incorporated into the transmitter circuitry, is adjacent one of the orifices 212.
- the sensors 230, 240 are in communication with transmitter circuitry as best shown in FIG. 6.
- the transmitter circuitry 400 includes a power source 410, e.g., a camera battery, which energizes a battery indicator light 412 to indicate suitable power.
- the sensors 230, 240 normally present a DC open which upon detection of predetermined threshold levels or smoke and/or heat within chamber 210 will in combination with other circuit components cause the circuit to close so as to energize the transmitter 420.
- a SCR is provided.
- the gate 430 is tripped.
- a current flow from the emitter cathode 450 through coil 456 will close relay 460 so as to energize the transmitter 420. Accordingly, signals are transmitted to receiver 500.
- the period of transmission will be elongated even in the presence of fire.
- the smoke sensor 230 cooperates with the lower chamber 210 so as to form an ionization chamber for the collection of smoke particles therein.
- the smoke upon initial ignition, the smoke will enter this lower chamber 210.
- heat will be sensed by sensor 240 which may be in the form of a thermistor. It is understood that various forms of circuitry can be used. However, it is desired that the transmitter circuit once energized will continue to transmit until delivery of power is ceased or the circuit is destroyed.
- a receiver 500 with alarm 510 is enclosed in a housing 600 with an antenna 610 extending therefrom for receiving the transmitted signals.
- Receiver is shown as being powered by house current 570/transformer 512 combination.
- an SCR latching circuit 700 is associated with receiver 500.
- the SCR 710 gate 720 closes causing a current flow to the relay 730 of the associated smoke detector alarm.
- the relay closes the alarm 510 sounds irrespective of the cessation of reception of transmitted signals from ornament 100. As such, this continuous alarm will enable the building occupants to take the appropriate evasive action.
- Test buttons may also be incorporated into the transmitter (416 shown) and alarm circuits to confirm operation and reset the same to a ready (716 shown) state.
- the ceramic wafer 200 with or without lining 202 extending across the spherical housing 110 initially protects the transmitter assembly in the chamber 220 from the surrounding heat and fire. Once the sensors 230, 240 detect the appropriate smoke and/or heat, the receiver/alarm circuit continues to function irrespective of destruction of the transmitter circuit 400.
- the alarm 510 will sound.
- the use of the transmitter and remote receiver 500 with alarm in the form of SCR latching circuit provides for an effective apparatus for detection and warning of Christmas tree fires which have not been addressed in the prior art.
Abstract
Description
Claims (11)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/859,974 US5821865A (en) | 1997-05-21 | 1997-05-21 | Christmas ornament hazard detector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/859,974 US5821865A (en) | 1997-05-21 | 1997-05-21 | Christmas ornament hazard detector |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US5821865A true US5821865A (en) | 1998-10-13 |
Family
ID=25332202
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/859,974 Expired - Lifetime US5821865A (en) | 1997-05-21 | 1997-05-21 | Christmas ornament hazard detector |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5821865A (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6075447A (en) * | 1998-12-17 | 2000-06-13 | Nightingale; Michael S. | Smoke detecting christmas tree ornament system |
WO2000047091A1 (en) * | 1999-02-11 | 2000-08-17 | Oliver Prechel | Christmas ornament |
US6384732B1 (en) * | 2000-08-23 | 2002-05-07 | Joseph A. Schumer | Christmas tree smoke detector |
US6382582B1 (en) * | 2001-03-05 | 2002-05-07 | Norma Brown | Safety tree stand |
US6512460B1 (en) | 1999-03-29 | 2003-01-28 | Oliver Prechel | Christmas ornament |
US20050195088A1 (en) * | 2004-03-04 | 2005-09-08 | Solak David M. | RF smoke sensing system with integrated smoke/heat sensing christmas ornament transmitter |
US20070069039A1 (en) * | 2005-07-13 | 2007-03-29 | Decosmo John | Christmas tree alarm system |
US20070176783A1 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2007-08-02 | Vision Fire & Security Pty Ltd | Method and system for a filter |
US20080055098A1 (en) * | 2006-08-29 | 2008-03-06 | Marc Toland | Ornament Based Detector With Remote Alarm |
US7443307B1 (en) | 2006-06-21 | 2008-10-28 | Philip Porpora | Christmas tree ornament hazard detector |
US20080271902A1 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2008-11-06 | Cjs Concepts, Llc | Fire prevention and extinguishing system and method of using same |
US7679521B1 (en) * | 2007-05-01 | 2010-03-16 | Cesar Gavia | Christmas tree ornament with integrated smoke detector, heat detector, motion sensor, and fire extinguishing means |
US7740377B1 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2010-06-22 | George Thomas | Holiday tree ornament having smoke alarm |
US7750820B1 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2010-07-06 | Ford Travis C | Christmas tree alerting device |
US20100253528A1 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2010-10-07 | Kenneth Frazer Bell | Smoke detector with included flame barrier |
US20170284694A1 (en) * | 2014-09-04 | 2017-10-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Air conditioner and control method therefor |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3806921A (en) * | 1972-04-18 | 1974-04-23 | Aboyne Pty Ltd | Detector device |
US4075614A (en) * | 1976-06-16 | 1978-02-21 | White Donald A | Christmas tree fire detector and alarm |
US4623878A (en) * | 1982-06-28 | 1986-11-18 | Henry Schoenwetter | Christmas tree mounted smoke detector |
US4845474A (en) * | 1986-08-01 | 1989-07-04 | Pioneer Manufacturing, Inc. | Smoke and fire detector |
US4924206A (en) * | 1988-12-05 | 1990-05-08 | Ayers Robert F | Car security system and method |
US5396221A (en) * | 1993-06-28 | 1995-03-07 | Bridges; James E. | Smoke detector disguised as a Christmas tree ornament |
US5589824A (en) * | 1995-11-09 | 1996-12-31 | Lynch Adam Q | Multi-sensor detection system |
US5625345A (en) * | 1992-12-08 | 1997-04-29 | Stark; Patrick B. | Fire safety apparatus |
-
1997
- 1997-05-21 US US08/859,974 patent/US5821865A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3806921A (en) * | 1972-04-18 | 1974-04-23 | Aboyne Pty Ltd | Detector device |
US4075614A (en) * | 1976-06-16 | 1978-02-21 | White Donald A | Christmas tree fire detector and alarm |
US4623878A (en) * | 1982-06-28 | 1986-11-18 | Henry Schoenwetter | Christmas tree mounted smoke detector |
US4845474A (en) * | 1986-08-01 | 1989-07-04 | Pioneer Manufacturing, Inc. | Smoke and fire detector |
US4924206A (en) * | 1988-12-05 | 1990-05-08 | Ayers Robert F | Car security system and method |
US5625345A (en) * | 1992-12-08 | 1997-04-29 | Stark; Patrick B. | Fire safety apparatus |
US5396221A (en) * | 1993-06-28 | 1995-03-07 | Bridges; James E. | Smoke detector disguised as a Christmas tree ornament |
US5589824A (en) * | 1995-11-09 | 1996-12-31 | Lynch Adam Q | Multi-sensor detection system |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6075447A (en) * | 1998-12-17 | 2000-06-13 | Nightingale; Michael S. | Smoke detecting christmas tree ornament system |
WO2000047091A1 (en) * | 1999-02-11 | 2000-08-17 | Oliver Prechel | Christmas ornament |
US6512460B1 (en) | 1999-03-29 | 2003-01-28 | Oliver Prechel | Christmas ornament |
US6384732B1 (en) * | 2000-08-23 | 2002-05-07 | Joseph A. Schumer | Christmas tree smoke detector |
US6382582B1 (en) * | 2001-03-05 | 2002-05-07 | Norma Brown | Safety tree stand |
US7777633B2 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2010-08-17 | Vision Fire & Security Pty Ltd | Method and system for determining particle transmittance of a filter in particle detection system |
US20070176783A1 (en) * | 2003-07-18 | 2007-08-02 | Vision Fire & Security Pty Ltd | Method and system for a filter |
US8314710B2 (en) | 2003-07-18 | 2012-11-20 | Vision Fire & Security Pty Ltd | Method and system for a filter |
US20050195088A1 (en) * | 2004-03-04 | 2005-09-08 | Solak David M. | RF smoke sensing system with integrated smoke/heat sensing christmas ornament transmitter |
US20070069039A1 (en) * | 2005-07-13 | 2007-03-29 | Decosmo John | Christmas tree alarm system |
US7443307B1 (en) | 2006-06-21 | 2008-10-28 | Philip Porpora | Christmas tree ornament hazard detector |
US20080055098A1 (en) * | 2006-08-29 | 2008-03-06 | Marc Toland | Ornament Based Detector With Remote Alarm |
US7750820B1 (en) * | 2007-03-02 | 2010-07-06 | Ford Travis C | Christmas tree alerting device |
US7679521B1 (en) * | 2007-05-01 | 2010-03-16 | Cesar Gavia | Christmas tree ornament with integrated smoke detector, heat detector, motion sensor, and fire extinguishing means |
US20080271902A1 (en) * | 2007-05-03 | 2008-11-06 | Cjs Concepts, Llc | Fire prevention and extinguishing system and method of using same |
US7740377B1 (en) | 2008-02-25 | 2010-06-22 | George Thomas | Holiday tree ornament having smoke alarm |
US20100253528A1 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2010-10-07 | Kenneth Frazer Bell | Smoke detector with included flame barrier |
US8111168B2 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2012-02-07 | Kidde Technologies, Inc. | Smoke detector with included flame barrier |
EP2236175B1 (en) * | 2009-04-02 | 2018-05-02 | Kidde Technologies, Inc. | Smoke detector with included flame barrier |
US20170284694A1 (en) * | 2014-09-04 | 2017-10-05 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Air conditioner and control method therefor |
US10663184B2 (en) * | 2014-09-04 | 2020-05-26 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Air conditioner and control method therefor |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SOONER ALARMS, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SOLAK, DAVID M.;REEL/FRAME:030417/0986 Effective date: 20130409 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HOPPER, LOUIS, CONNECTICUT Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SOONER ALARMS, LLC;REEL/FRAME:038973/0180 Effective date: 20150630 |